Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Nick Jonas says he dreams of being president

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Teen pop star Nick Jonas, taking a break from touring with his brothers to raise awareness of juvenile diabetes, said he dreams about being U.S. president and may study political science in college.

The 16-year-old singer, songwriter and member of pop trio the Jonas Bros, spoke on Monday to a sold-out audience at the National Press Club, a venue often reserved for presidents, kings and chief executives but for Jonas had many seats occupied by teenage and pre-teen girls.

Jonas talked about raising awareness and funding for juvenile diabetes, a disease he was diagnosed with in 2005.

Asked about recent trips to Washington, the youngest of the Jonas Bros told the crowd "I've always had this dream of becoming president one day." He said it was "very cool" and "such an honor" to visit the White House earlier this year.

The brothers made a surprise visit to President Barack Obama's daughters in January, and Nick Jonas met Obama in June as part of his diabetes efforts.

In an interview with Reuters, Jonas said his talk of wanting to be president was not entirely a tease. "As much as I joke about it and kind of say it to get a laugh, it is somewhat serious. I don't know if it will happen," he said.

If he goes to college, "I'd probably study English and then political science because I'm interested in it," he said. At the moment, he's touring with his band and will start shooting for TV show "Camp Rock 2" with his brothers in September.

Jonas told the press club audience he has learned to manage his diabetes while keeping a busy touring schedule but had adjusted his diet to help regulate blood sugar.

A song he wrote about diabetes includes a line saying "You don't know what you got 'til it's gone," and an audience member asked Jonas what he was referring to.

"Probably chocolate cake," he joked.

Jonas said he still eats his favorite foods but closely monitors his diet. There have been "one or two moments" during concerts when he asked his brothers to talk a bit longer on stage while he stepped away to check his sugar levels. He wears a diabetic insulin pump on his lower back while performs.

In response to questions, Jonas said he does not currently have a girlfriend and would consider dating a fan.

"I didn't know I was going to get in a suit today and have to talk about that kind of stuff," he said with a smile.